Crossing the seven seas did not present a problem to England-based Jaiden Mathew who is finally getting to see his dreams brought to fruition. The ecstatic actor is on cloud nine after landing the lead role in the Malayalam film Olive Marangal Pookumbol opposite actress Ananya. Originally from Muvattupuzha, Jaiden went to England to do his MBA and is now settled there.
Though he was very practical and went about acquiring a professional degree and making sure he has a steady income, his passion for films led him to pursue a diploma course in acting in England. Elaborating on landing the role, Jaiden says, “I play a helper in a church to whom Ananya gets attracted. Director Manu spoke to me directly about the role and I liked my character and decided to do the film.”
Since Ananya is better known, does it mean that the film would revolve around her with him being relegated to the sidelines? Jaiden answers, “It is not a woman-oriented film, but a love story which also dwells on the relationship between a mother and her son.
“I loved the storyline because it looks at human relationships and their complexities.” Terming his entry into films as a big step, he is all excited about facing the camera and proving his talent.
Meanwhile Jaiden’s MBA degree was put to good use and he runs a restaurant business in England for the past ten years. Once the shoot of the film starts, his battery of staff will see to it that the business does not suffer and runs like a well-oiled machine in his absence.
Jaiden has also managed to keep himself abreast of all the latest Malayalam films and he says, “It is a good sign that most of the Malayalam films get released there on the same day or some days later. This makes it easier to keep in touch with what’s happening in Kerala even when staying in England.” He is aware of the constant queue of newcomers waiting on the fringes for a break and says, “Everybody has their own space and strengths. One cannot avoid competition but I believe in my strengths and talent.”
